For many, including me, the score of a movie is the most important aspect of a finished product. Without a good score, a movie is dead. It lacks character, depth, and quality. It is simply words, actions, movement, people. It is a world that barely emanates off the screen. A subpar score destroys a movie.
A good score breathes life into the film. It attaches itself to the deepest parts of our soul, our humanity. It radiates from the screen, bringing an indescribable mixture of emotion, power, and beauty. Each melody is brilliantly fashioned, each pause expertly crafted, each instrument carefully chosen. A good score will remain forever; it is timeless.
Every movie has a score, but it is a good score that makes a movie.
And a good score comes from a good composer.
The Harry Potter has had the fortune, or perhaps misfortune, of hosting four composers over seven films: John Williams (HP 1-3), perhaps the greatest film composer of all time and creator of Harry Potter‘s most famous theme “Hedwigs Theme”; Patrick Doyle (HP 4), who had the unenviable task of taking the films into a darker era but doing so successfully; Nicholas Hooper (HP 5-6), whose scores are drastically different from the others and even from themselves – although it fits, seeing that films are such; Alexandre Desplat (HP 7, Part I), whose task is perhaps the most difficult of all.
Each composer is unique, and has brought something different to the table. Now, it is Desplat’s turn.
I’m an avid soundtrack listener. I’m constantly listening to soundtracks, in my car, between classes, even right now. Soundtracks are my Beatles. And as a classical musician, I’d like to think of myself as a somewhat credible source in reviewing soundtracks.
And I have to say, I’m absolutely thrilled that Desplat is scoring Deathly Hallows, Part I.
Born of Greek and French descent, Desplat scored over 50 European films before bursting into the Hollywood scene about 7 years ago, when he scored Girl
Desplat receives his awards for "Film Composer of the Year" at the World Soundtrack Awards
With the Pearl Earring. The score earned him nominations from the Golden Globes, BAFTA and European Film Awards. Since then, Desplat seems to have found his calling. He has scored (among many others), for The Golden Compass, Syrianna, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, New Moon, The Queen, and the Academy Award Winning The Painted Veil. His scores are versatile, unique, and superbly written.
His work has won him award after award, including “Film Composer of the Year” and “Best Film Score” of the Year for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button at the 2009 World Soundtrack Awards, “Film Composer of the Year” and “Best Film Score” of the Year for Fantastic Mr. Fox, at the 2010 World Soundtrack Awards. Yes, you read that right. The two most prestigious awards, two years in a row.
His credentials are impressive, but any astute observer will not that awards are not everything. A good film score requires more than just a shelf a trophies. And the Harry Potter films, which is essentially the most influential film series of this generation, deserves the greatest score. And Desplat will deliver that perfect score.
Alexandre Desplat is one of the few composers that I consider to be truly in tune (pun fully intended) with the film he is scoring for. He understands the deep emotional complexities of the film that he is scoring for. The joy, the despair, the thrill, the hope. Deathly Hallows must incorporate each of those emotions, and many many more, into its film. Desplat is the perfect man to do it. I fully expect to go into the theatre and be swifted away into the Wizarding World from the first note and perhaps never leave. Music penetrates the soul, and if the score does its job correctly, the music will leave a lasting effect on the audience.
But don’t take my word for it! Check out Desplat for yourself, at his website. Be sure to look into his discography, and listen to some of samples available.
The film score for Deathly Hallows, already available for pre-order, is to be released November 16th, the week of the international release of the film.
Additionally, you can purchase a huge Limited Edition Collectors Soundtrack which includes a Vinly Record of the soundtrack, a DVD of the score, interviews with the producers and Despat, a signed selection of Sheet Music from the original recording, a poster of the film, and more.
Released earlier today was also this interview with Desplat. It is always a treat to see a glimpse into the world of scoring.
Deathly Hallows is to be one of the most remarkable movies ever made. It will be timeless, remembered forever by fans.
Desplat’s score will be just the same, I am sure.
These Aren't Just Words 